A passionate teacher committed to students pursuing a career in the HVAC profession, Jon Conaway received the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association’s (PHCC’s) 2024 HVAC Instructor of the Year award, presented this week at PHCC CONNECT 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama. The award is sponsored by PHCC Corporate Partner Milwaukee Tool.

Conaway joined Kellam Mechanical in 2023, bringing with him 15 years of experience in HVAC work. He also serves the Norfolk Technical Center in Virginia as an HVAC instructor for all four years of apprenticeship training. While he follows the prescribed curriculum as an instructor, Conaway is known for incorporating his personal professional experiences and those of his students into his teachings. This method resonates well with his students, who appreciate his honesty and practical problem-solving skills.

“John stepped into the role of instructor because he wants those entering the field to understand the proper way to do things and the importance of doing things right,” said Susan Milhoan, PHCC of Virginia’s executive director. “He started not because he wanted to teach, but because he wanted new tradesmen to be capable and informed.”

With that objective, Conaway’s teaching approach is built around the philosophy that learning from mistakes is crucial for true understanding.

“I teach them the code; I teach them how to do things and how to troubleshoot,” he said. “But I believe the real learning happens when we discuss mistakes … why they happen and how to fix them.”

Conaway believes that classrooms are important, but on-the-job training offers a chance to learn, practice, and – ultimately – perfect skills.

“When students bring their challenges into the classroom, everyone benefits,” he added.

He also has gift for making the material relevant and digestible for students who may feel intimidated by the technical aspects. “Sometimes the code can be a little boring,” he gave as an example. “I try to make it real for them; this is the code, and this is how to use it every day on the job.”

The success of his approach is evident in the increasing enrollment in the HVAC program he teaches. Conaway anticipates the enrollment to double this fall and continue to grow.

Committed to associating the HVAC industry with professionalism, Conaway stresses to his students that the quality of their work will be judged not only by their technical skills but also by factors such as punctuality, appropriate communication, and respect for the job site. He firmly believes that professionalism is an essential expectation that should be taught alongside all other aspects of the trade. “Learn the trade, hone it, get better at it, and be proud to put your name on it,” he says.